Need to Know: A look at the Buddies

Keith Lasley looks ahead to St Mirren

Don’t miss our Christmas hospitality deals

Campbell prepared for busy Christmas spell

Previewing Motherwell v St Mirren

Story of the Match from Celtic defeat

First team

Pay at the gate at Hamilton

Club

1991 documentary to be aired in January

Reserves & Under 18s

Stephen Craigan to leave Motherwell

Club

Take care of yourself this Christmas

Friday 21 December 2018

We all recognise that Christmas and New Year are times of great celebration, providing people with an opportunity to come together, exchange gifts, share memories and show friends and family how important they are to us.

However it is almost impossible to get through Christmas without experiencing some level of stress.

For many, it can be a time that brings financial pressure, stress, loneliness and can remind us of sad times in our lives.

There are practical steps which we can take all year round to look after our own and others’ mental health. They include:

Not over indulging

Taking time for relaxation

Fitting in time for some exercise, such as a gentle walk

If you can, try to be around other people

Take care of yourself

Self-care is an important step to help manage difficult feelings.

When things seem a struggle, it’s understandable that bigger self-care tasks can be difficult. Things which may help to improve this include:

Trying to schedule activities and planning out the week, maybe breaking days into manageable sections.

Trying to think of things you should do to take care of yourself that you maybe haven’t had time to do recently, and ask yourself which of these are achievable.

Remember it is OK to start with small objectives and, when you feel more able, plan more challenging tasks.

Be kind to yourself. Self-compassion is important. We often have high expectations and feel frustrated if we don’t meet them.

Some days you may feel more capable and productive than others. At other times you may feel overwhelmed. This is OK and affects everyone at some point in their lives.

It is important to show yourself compassion and kindness. Be more forgiving of yourself when you feel overwhelmed. That way, you can get back to feeling better quicker.

It can be helpful to write down positive things about yourself when you feel good and then go back to them when you are having a tough day, to remember how good you can be.

There is only one you. Take care of yourself.

Tragically, almost one person every week dies by suicide in North Lanarkshire. Males between the ages of 34 and 54 are almost three times more likely to take their own lives.

Keeping Christmas stress to a minimum

Aim for “enjoyable”, not “perfect”. Keep expectations for the holiday season manageable. Don’t try to make it perfect.

Recognise that being together 24/7 may cause tensions, and allow for this.

Minimise “are we nearly there yet?” issues when travelling. It is disappointing to make travel plans in order to promote family togetherness, only to get to the destination feeling stressed. Include pre-planned rest stops, drinks and snacks, music and books and lots of activities for the kids in the back. Travel off-peak if possible.

Plan out what you need to do over the festive season.

Make plans with services you are currently receiving, such as health and social care workers, support workers or peer supporters.

Find time for yourself. Don’t spend all your time providing activities for your family and friends. If you’re a parent, remember you need to have fun, and aim for a balance of activities that meets everyone’s needs.

Planning and teamwork. Involve the family in plans and in the workload, Children can have some say, and parents’ needs count as well.

Don’t try to do it all.

Our advice is brought in conjunction with North Lanarkshire Council.

If you’re reading this and feel low, we want you to know that everybody feels low sometimes.

We all face difficult situations in our lives. That applies to everyone, whether they are our friends and family, supporters and even footballers.

Suicide is not the answer. There is always another way. Help is available. You are not alone. We know it is not always easy to talk but you are contemplating this, please open up to someone.

There’s also our Cooper Bar

Our Cooper Bar is also open from 11am on the day of the match, and offers a casual setting for you to catch up with friends ahead of the game.

On 22 December ahead of the match with St Mirren, we’re also offering a special incentive.

Turn up with your Christmas jumper on, and we’ll upgrade those with the best ones to one of our Cooper Boxes for the game, so you can watch the game from inside your own warm box behind the goal.

First team

Campbell prepared for busy Christmas spell

Friday 21 December 2018

Allan Campbell knows the importance of the next three matches as Motherwell prepare for the visit of St Mirren on Saturday.

The midfielder is eager to take things one game at a time though, and believes the club’s recent home form can propel them to victory against the Saints.

“These home games are the ones we need to go out there and win, so we go in to this one with motivation,” the 20-year-old said.

First team

Previewing Motherwell v St Mirren

Friday 21 December 2018

Motherwell host St Mirren on Saturday, as the Steelmen prepare for three big games in the lead up to the winter break.

Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the match.

Head to head

Motherwell won the opening encounter with the Buddies in 2018/19, picking up a 2-0 victory at St Mirren Park in October.

David Turnbull and Chris Cadden got the goals on a wet Hallowe’en night in Paisley, a result which proved a catalyst for Stephen Robinson’s side.

Wins over Aberdeen, Dundee and St Johnstone followed since, as well as a draw with Celtic and defeats to Rangers, Hearts, Celtic and Livingston.

St Mirren have picked up one win in seven since that match, defeating Hearts at home. Away draws with Dundee and Hibernian have been accompanied by defeats to Rangers, Hamilton, Livingston and Aberdeen.

Tickets available online and on the gate

A pay gate is also available for home fans. Our cheapest ticket for this Saturday’s game is just £20 for adults. Children aged 15 and under can get in to the stadium for just £3 in every stand. Full ticket prices are available here.

Away fans will be situated in the South Stand and can pay at the gate.

1991 documentary to be aired in January

Thursday 20 December 2018

A new documentary charting Motherwell’s 1991 Scottish Cup victory will be shown on BBC ALBA on Friday, 18 January at 9pm.

Steelmen is the bittersweet story of life in the industrial Scottish town of Motherwell in the early 1990s. Providing a reflective insight into its community and society, the documentary is told through the football club’s Scottish Cup victory.

In 1991, as the town of faced the crippling social, economic and cultural impact of the closure of the Ravenscraig steelworks, the Steelmen lifted the prestigious Scottish Cup for the first time in 39 years, the victory a glimmer of light in the ensuing darkness.

The workers of Ravenscraig and the local community had a strong camaraderie, a characteristic shared by the squad.

As the local industry was threatened and community morale crushed, a series of footballing highs provided a clink of light in what was a devastating period for the town.

Steelmen, produced by purpleTV for BBC ALBA, will air at 9pm on Friday 18 January.

Reserves & Under 18s

Stephen Craigan to leave Motherwell

Thursday 20 December 2018

Stephen Craigan is to leave his position as Motherwell’s reserve team manager.

The Northern Irishman has spent three and a half years in the role, but believes the time is right to move on.

“I think after a certain amount of time, young players need a new voice and a new leader to try and push them on,” he said.

“I came back in here three and a half years ago and now there’s very few of that initial squad left training with me, so I almost feel it’s job complete.

“It’s been better than I could have imagined. The standard of player and the way that they’ve progressed has been terrific.

“This isn’t something that I have made a decision on overnight. This has been on mind for several months and I now believe the time is right.”

Craigan, who made 363 appearances for the ‘Well during his playing career, will leave at the end of the month.

“Stephen has been an excellent servant for Motherwell Football Club and we are really sad to see him go,” chief executive Alan Burrows said of his departure.

“More recently, his efforts in developing young talent for our first team has seen a number of players make careers in the game, as well as achieving international honours.

“We wish him well for the future and thank him for everything he has done, both as a coach and previously as a player and captain.

“Following Stephen’s departure, and following feedback from him, coaching staff and others in the academy, the club intends to complete a review of the development pathway for 18 to 21 year olds at the club, prior to appointing a replacement.”

Manager Stephen Robinson added: “I have worked closely with Stephen over the last few years here at Motherwell and I am grateful for the work he has put in to push through young talent at the club.

“We are disappointed to see him go but respect his decision to leave the club.”

Motherwell Football Club wishes to thank Stephen for his service and tremendous efforts throughout his three spells with the club. We all wish him well for the future.